New Zealand

McCaw simply the best

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:25

All-conquering All Black captain Richie McCaw has been named New Zealand's Player of the Year.

McCaw beat off the Challenge of fellow World Cup-winning All Blacks Kieran Read and Conrad Smith - adding to his Kel Tremain trophies he had won in 2003, 2006 and 2009.

His side dominated the awards, as the All Blacks were named team of the year and first year head coach Steve Hansen was top coach.

The win caps off a successful year for the 31-year old openside flank, who will miss much of next year as he takes a six-month sabbatical.

He played in all but one of the All Blacks' 14 Tests after recovering from the foot injury he sustained during last year's World Cup.

Smith was named Super Rugby player of the year over championship winning Chiefs Aaron Cruden and Craig Clarke for his role leading a young Hurricanes side.

Loose forward Liam Messam was rewarded for his breakout year in the black jersey with the Maori player of the year award, while dangerous Canterbury centre Robbie Fruean was NPC player of the year.

Manawatu Turbos and New Zealand under-20 emerging talent Jason Emery won the NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year award. Manawatu's Tomasi Cama replicated his IRB Sevens Player of the Year award at New Zealand level.

Auckland and Black Ferns loose forward Rawinia Everitt was named the women's player of the year.

All the winners:
Kel Tremain Player of the Year: Richie McCaw
Team of the Year: All Blacks
Coach of the Year: Steve Hansen
NPC Player of Year: Robbie Fruean
Heartland Player of Year: Peter Rowe
Maori Player of year. Liam Messam
Super Rugby Player of Year: Conrad Smith
Volunteer of Year: Ray Watson
Women's Player of Year: Rawinia Everitt
Referee of Year: Glenn Jackson
Sevens Player of Year: Tomasi Cama
Age Grade Player of Year : Jason Emery
Salver Award for long service: Ray Harper